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Colour Tattoo Removal, Before and After

Colour is the honest challenge of laser tattoo removal. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths, so a colour piece fades unevenly, warm reds and oranges usually soften first, while greens and blues are the most stubborn. Every before-and-after below is a real Ink Off client, de-identified and not retouched.

About these images: all 4 before-and-afters on this page are photographs of real, consenting Ink Off clients. Identifying details were removed by cropping and the tattoo itself was not retouched, so what you see is the real recorded result. We do not use stock or computer-generated before-and-after images anywhere on this site. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

In short

Colour tattoos fade slower and more unevenly than black because each pigment absorbs a different laser wavelength. Reds and oranges typically clear first; green, blue and yellow are the most stubborn and may fade rather than fully clear. Our PicoSure laser covers the broadest pigment range, but colour work usually needs more sessions (often 10–15+) and patience.

Real client results (4)

Real client results. Identifying details removed to protect privacy. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

Real client result
The same chest and shoulder after a completed course of PicoSure laser sessions, with the tattoo removed Large colour traditional eagle tattoo in red, yellow and black across a chest and shoulder before laser removal

Colour traditional eagle, chest (drag to compare)

A large colour traditional eagle across the chest and shoulder. Colour work is usually the slowest to clear, so a result like this takes a long, patient plan — this client's removal is complete. Individual results vary and not every colour clears fully.

Chest / shoulderColour (red, yellow and black) inkRemoval completeRemoval complete

Real client results. Identifying details removed to protect privacy. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

Real client result
The same colour Japanese sleeve visibly lighter and washed back after laser sessions, with pigment still remaining Colour Japanese-style floral sleeve tattoo with reds and blues on an arm before laser removal

Colour Japanese sleeve, arm (drag to compare)

A colour Japanese floral sleeve, part-way through treatment. Visibly lighter and washed back, with clear pigment still remaining — colour over a large area is the slowest kind of work to clear.

Forearm / sleeveColour (reds, blues and black) inkSignificant fading, treatment in progressIn progress

Real client results. Identifying details removed to protect privacy. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

Real client result
The same forearm rose with the colour gone and only a faint grey outline remaining after laser sessions Colour traditional rose tattoo with red petals and green leaves on a forearm before laser removal

Colour rose, forearm (drag to compare)

A colour traditional rose on the forearm, part-way through treatment. The red and green have gone and a faint grey outline remains — a clear example of colour lifting before the outline does.

ForearmColour (red, green and yellow) inkSignificant fading, treatment in progressIn progress

Real client results. Identifying details removed to protect privacy. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

Real client result
The same forearm tribal faded to a soft ghost with the teal much reduced after laser sessions Black tribal tattoo with a teal centre on a forearm before laser tattoo removal

Black and teal tribal, forearm (drag to compare)

A black tribal with a teal centre on the forearm, part-way through treatment. The design has dropped to a soft ghost and the teal has reduced but has not gone — coloured pigment typically lags behind black.

ForearmBlack with teal inkSignificant fading, treatment in progressIn progress

Real client results. Identifying details removed to protect privacy. Individual results vary; some inks fade rather than fully clear.

Every ink colour has its own absorption profile. A laser wavelength that shatters black may barely touch a bright green, which is why a multi-colour tattoo does not fade as one, it lightens in the colours the laser reaches best and lags where the pigment resists. That uneven, blotchy look mid-plan is completely normal, and you can see it in the mid-treatment photos here.

PicoSure is one of the better platforms for colour because its picosecond pulses and wavelength options address a wider pigment range than older Q-switched lasers. Even so, no laser clears every colour equally. Yellows, some purples and certain greens are notoriously stubborn, and a few inks fade to a faint shadow rather than vanishing. We would rather tell you that up front than over-promise.

Because colour is unpredictable, an in-person read matters more here than anywhere else. On your free video assessment a specialist looks at your actual inks. They tell you which are likely to respond well and which may be slow, then give you a starting session range. The plan is backed by our 100% money-back guarantee, so the risk is not on you.

Colour Ink: common questions

Can laser remove coloured tattoos?

Yes, but colours fade at different speeds. Reds and oranges usually respond well; green, blue and yellow are more stubborn and can take longer. Some pigments fade rather than fully clear, which is why we guarantee the plan.

Which tattoo colours are hardest to remove?

Green, blue, yellow and some purples are generally the most resistant, because their pigments absorb laser light less efficiently. Our PicoSure covers a broad range, but these colours typically need more sessions.

Why is my colour tattoo fading unevenly?

That is expected. Each pigment responds to the laser differently, so a colour piece lightens in patches, the colours the laser reaches best fade first. It is a normal part of the process, not a problem.

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